Stress urinary incontinence occurs when the important support for the urinary tract and bladder is not functioning properly. This condition can be caused by weakness in the ligaments and pelvic floor muscles or impaired functionality of the urethral sphincter muscles. This affects the support that helps provide normal urinary function.
As the bladder fills with urine, it expands. In a fully functioning urethra, valve-like muscles stay shut as this happens. This prevents urinary leakage occurring until such a time as we can reach a bathroom and relieve ourselves. However, as these muscles weaken, any activity that exerts force on the abdominal and pelvic muscles can apply pressure to the bladder, causing involuntary urinary leakage.